Toshiba Japan has announced a new digital camera model which, like the PDR-T10 which recently began shipping, features a touch-screen LCD display to simplify the user interface and remove the clutter of buttons found on most digicams. Where the -T10 relied on an array of interchangeable faceplates to define its visual style, though, the new Sora PDR-T20 has a more expensive (dare we say, classy) look. At first glance, the PDR-T20 is very reminiscent of Canon's PowerShot S30 and S40 cameras, but with cleaner lines. This is thanks to the absence of buttons, switches and mode dials, as well as the fact that the PDR-T20 has no optical viewfinder - everything on this camera revolves around the LCD display...

When it ships in Japan at the end of June, the PDR-T20 will be offered in a choice of three different chassis colors; silver, champagne gold and pink (the latter two colors will be limited editions). As well as the touch screen LCD, the camera features a 2.01 megapixel (effective) CCD imager, 2x optical zoom lens, USB 1.1 mass storage class connectivity, Secure Digital storage, Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and a neck-strap with integrated stylus (for use on the touch-screen display).

Pricing for the camera has not been announced, but is expected to be ¥40,000 (US$322 / €342 / £221, ignoring taxes / duties and exchange rate fluctuations). Courtesy of Toshiba, we have the following list of product highlights and specifications (loosely translated from the Japanese; apologies for any errors in the translation):

Choice of three colors Silver, champagne gold and pink

Simple touch-panel operation Similar to the Sora PDR-T10 digital camera. By tapping the LCD screen, you can select one of eight scene-modes (including landscape, portrait, sport, macro, scenic portrait and night portrait), set the flash mode and self-timer, and more. In playback mode, you can display image info, zoom and pan, etc. with a touch of a finger

"Paint" function You can select from 15 colors and three line thicknesses, and draw illustrations or write captions on images with the stylus. This adds more creativity, and expands the usefulness of the camera.

2.01 megapixel (effective) CCD and 2x optical zoom lens A 1/2.7" CCD imager with 2,010,000 pixels effective captures high-quality images. As well as a 1600 x 1200 pixel maximum image sizes, there are also 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixel modes for purposes where the highest resolution isn't necessary. In addition, there's an easy-to-use 2x optical zoom lens, and with use of the digital zoom this can be doubled to 4x total zoom.

Simple record and playback menus In record-mode, it is possible to customise camera settings simply, with settings such as monochrome / sepia, ISO setting, manual mode, white balance and 16-up mode (16 sequential thumbnail pictures in one frame). In playback mode, functions such as slideshow and multiple-image playback can be accessed. Also, you can change the language of menus from a choice of Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese (traditional) or Chinese (simplified).

ACDSee Image Management software If using a personal computer*, you can connect the camera with a USB cable and easily-installed driver software. If you use the included ACDSee software, you can then browse and view your images, do basic retouching such as red-eye removal, print images and (on PC only) email them directly from the software. * Windows 98, 2000, ME or XP; Macintosh OS9.0 or higher. Factory-installed USB port required.

Exif v2.2 compliance If an Exif v2.2 (also known as Exif Print)-compliant printer is used, it can process data stored in the image to optimise print quality.* Check with printer manufacturer to ascertain compatible printer models

All necessary items included Even for a first-time digital camera user, all necessary accessories are in the package. This includes an 8MB Secure Digital card, USB cable and drivers, ACDSee Image Management software, touch-screen stylus attached to the neck strap, Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and AC adapter, soft case, etc.